Seemor
Isla & Co. - MidtownBWorth Trying
25 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018
· Restaurant, Australian restaurant, Bar
· 4.8/5 Google (4213 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Creative Aussie-inspired brunch and cocktails with standout espresso martini flights; food is often good but service speed and consistency can vary, so plan extra time.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Isla & Co. delivers solid brunch and cocktail execution with flavorful modern Australian plates and signature espresso martini flights that justify its loyal following. However, quality varies noticeably—overcooked steaks, dry buns, and uneven fries recur—and service pacing lags during peak hours, preventing grade A-level reliability. The chic Midtown setting and generous portions appeal to neighborhood diners, but it falls short of premier destination status.
Restaurant Summary
Set just off a Midtown hotel entrance, this room feels airy and cozy-chic, a welcome pause from the bustle. Guests rave about friendly, attentive servers on good days, while others hit slow patches that stretch brunch into a wait; one fan summed it up as “flavorful plates and fun drinks” when the timing clicks. The kitchen leans modern Australian with global fusion—think kimchi sambal scramble, Thai spiced squid, miso onions on the burger, and an Aussie chicken parma. The culinary approach leans contemporary and produce-driven: creative twists and crowd-pleasers rather than culinary theater. Espresso martini flights are a signature flourish, with several guests calling them the highlight of the visit. Families will find kid-comfort options like cheeseburgers, fries, pasta, and waffles, alongside lighter bowls and veg curry. There is no stated kids menu, and one parent wished for a changing table. If your crew includes picky eaters, stick to familiar items; adventurous choices shine, but not every bold flavor lands for everyone.
At a Glance
- Creative Aussie-inspired brunch with memorable espresso martini flights
- Generous portions and broadly appealing menu options
- Service delays and pacing issues during peak hours
- Credit card surcharge and occasional auto-gratuity reports
- Pre-theater diners should allow extra buffer due to timing variability
What Sets It Apart
- espresso_martini_flights
- australian_fusion_menu
- generous_portions
What People Love
- Playful espresso martini tastings
- Flavor-packed kimchi scramble and hearty hashes
- Warm service from standout servers
- Airy, cozy-chic setting amid Midtown rush
Points of Concern
- Variable kitchen consistency (overcooked steak, dry buns reported intermittently)
- Slow ticket times for entrees and drinks at peak; communication lapses noted
- Bathroom cleanliness issues surfaced during busy periods
- Review patterns show signs of mixed experiences; plan extra time for pre-theater meals
- Pricing is Midtown-premium and a 2.5% card fee was reported by diners
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$42-58 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For vegetarians: Kimchi Sambal Scramble, Mushroom Toast, Lemon Broccolini Orecchiette, Green Thai Curry (veg).
- For gluten-avoiders: Request GF bread; reviews praised it.
- For spice fans: Spicy Shrimp Rigatoni, Thai Spiced Squid, Kung Pao Cauliflower.
Perfect For
- Weekend brunch with cocktails
- Casual catch-ups in Midtown
- Visitors seeking unique Aussie touches
- Groups that enjoy sharing apps and drinks
Location Insights
Area: Busy Midtown block near Bryant Park and Garment District; mix of office crowds, tourists, and hotel guests.
Safety: Well-trafficked and well-lit with steady foot traffic; typical Midtown congestion but generally safe.
Nearby: Adjacent to Hotel Hendricks; near theaters, offices, shops, and other bars; theater-goers note timing sensitivity.
Garment DistrictThe Garment District is characterized by a mix of wholesale and retail fashion businesses alongside a growing number of trendy restaurants and casual eateries catering to daytime office crowds and visitors. The dining scene is diverse, ranging from quick lunch spots to upscale dining, reflecting the fast-paced, business-oriented atmosphere.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday07:30–22:00
Tuesday07:30–22:00
Wednesday07:30–22:00
Thursday07:30–22:00
Friday07:30–22:00
Saturday07:30–22:00
Sunday07:30–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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